NEW YORK, NY - June 2, 2003 /Send2Press Newswire/ -- "'Gaff the damn eye,' Cooters
yelled. I planted my feet and placed the hook over her head." So begins the
author's experience as a commercial fisherman, hunting some of the world's
largest and most-endangered migratory predators of the sea, the broadbill
swordfish.

In a May 15th New York Times article titled "Commercial Fleets Reduced Big Fish
by 90%, Study Says," Andrew C. Revkin reports that according to a newly-released
study funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and performed by Canada's Dalhousie
University, large-scale industrial commercial fishing has reduced the world's
predatory fishes by 90 percent over a period of 50 years.

Although the study included migratory giants like marlin, tuna and swordfish, it
also noted that species other than the intended target species frequently become
victims of by-catch, or unintentional kills, dying in trawl nets or on long line
hooks. Oceanographers not connected with this study say it proves that current
fisheries are sustained at high levels only because fleets now travel farther
for more distant fish populations.

Revkin states: "This level of depletion not only threatens the livelihoods of
fishers and an important source of protein, but could also unbalance marine
ecosystems, experts and the study's authors said."

Written by a marine biologist and physician, "The Crimson Broadbill - Commercial
Swordfishing the NW Atlantic" (www.Xlibris.com/thecrimsonbroadbill.html) is a
personal sea story that describes the fine balance between conservation and
commerce. From the history of the fishery to its current state, the reasons for
our ocean's diminishing resources are explored, with suggestions as to what
consumers and constituents alike can do to help protect our endangered billfish,
tuna and sharks.

Dr. Thomas Armbruster, a marine biologist and physician, presents a first-hand
description of the excitement, danger, and challenges working aboard an
offshore commercial long-lining fishing boat. Through his eyes we also see the
devastation caused by overfishing to the magnificent swordfish. This is a most
interesting and entertaining chronicle of his experiences; anybody interested
in the ocean and its creatures will find this to be an excellent read.
--David A. Ross, Ph.D., Scientist Emeritus,
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

The Crimson Broadbill is the most interesting combination of autobiography and
sea story that I've ever encountered! It offers a thoughtful discourse on the
plight of sharks, whales, and particularly swordfish, resulting from man's
predation. Dr. Armbruster's treatments are well-reasoned and it is difficult
to argue with a scientist who has actually done his sea time!
--Dr. Robert B. Abel, President Emeritus, New Jersey Marine Sciences
Consortium Founding Director, National Sea Grant Program

The Crimson Broadbill is a proficient account of the problems facing
swordfish, tunas and other migratory fish in the Atlantic. Against the
backdrop of a dramatic and captivating storyline based on his own sea-going
experience, Dr. Armbruster brings needed attention to the plight of these
pelagic fish and the dire need to conserve them. The Crimson Broadbill is a
must-read for anyone interested in either catching or studying the oceans
"biggest fish."
--Tim Hobbs, Fisheries Project Director, National Coalition
for Marine Conservation

As depicted in "The Perfect Storm," longlining is a mixed bag of experiences
ranging from the elation of a big catch and prospective riches to the grind of
constant work and little rest ... A fresh look at that fascinating industry
and its effect on the prime species sought is provided in Tom Armbruster's
"The Crimson Broadbill." It's a fascinating story and Thomas lays it out with
clarity and uncompromising honesty.
--Al Ristori, Regional Editor Saltwater Sportsman Magazine, Conservational
Editor The Fisherman Magazine and Saltwater Editor for Newark's Star-Ledger

Visit this book at www.xlibris.com/thecrimsonbroadbill.html. Available online at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble and from local bookstores.

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